A 16-year-old footballer narrowly avoided serious injury after a firework exploded near his ankle during a match in Essex. Matas Skarna, from Hornchurch, east London, was playing for Hashtag United against Concord Rangers on Friday when the incident occurred.
The firework, believed to have come from a nearby private display, hit the ground beside the left wing-back's heel, burning his sock but causing no lasting damage. Matas, who also plays for the Lithuanian under-17 team, said he initially feared his career was over.
Matas was treated by the club's physio and did not require hospital treatment. He resumed training on Monday morning at USP College in Benfleet, where he studies sports science. The match was abandoned shortly after the firework landed on the pitch.
Club founder Spencer Owen confirmed that fireworks had landed around the pitch during the game, and club personnel had asked nearby residents to stop setting them off. Matas admitted he now feels nervous when he hears fireworks, but is enjoying the attention the incident has brought.
